Disclosed herein are antisense compounds and methods for decreasing LDL-C in an individual having elevated LDL-C. Additionally disclosed are antisense compounds and methods for treating hypercholesterolemia, or alternatively for treating or preventing atherosclerosis. Further disclosed are antisense compounds and methods for decreasing coronary heart disease risk. Such methods include administering to an individual in need of treatment an antisense compound targeted to a PCSK9 nucleic acid. The antisense compounds administered include gapmer antisense oligonucleotides.